Operations Officer – Upstream & Advisory, Financial Institutions Group

Operations Officer – Upstream & Advisory, Financial Institutions Group

Description

Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit: https://www.ifc.org.

IFC aims to stimulate more investment activity across emerging markets. This strategy aims to create new opportunities for private sector investments and mobilization in riskier markets and sectors by proactively working “upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop potential investment projects. Achieving these growth and impact ambitions at scale requires a different approach to business development, deal sourcing, and client support that relies on 1) a broader product offering to engage earlier in the project cycle and secure opportunities; 2) a greater focus on preparing clients in nascent markets and sectors for investment; 3) a greater focus on value addition and risk management of portfolio investment clients to enhance their performance; and 4) a longer time horizon and a more patient, longer-term perspective.

The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) is one of the major industry groups at IFC, responsible for managing roughly 40% of IFC’s overall business in terms of volume and capital at risk.  FIG engages in a wide range of sub-sectors including Microfinance, SME, Gender, Climate, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing, Distressed Assets, and other areas, with both investment and advisory/upstream services delivered to IFC’s clients through IFC’s global network.

The FIG Advisory/Upstream Unit seeks to create opportunities for new private sector led investments in the region by developing a pipeline of investment-ready opportunities made possible using distinct tools and interventions, including investment structuring, advisory and policy reform. The objective of the unit will be to enhance the next generation of FIG investments across priority sectors in the region.  

IFC is seeking an Advisory/Upstream Operations Officer, based in Vienna, Austria, for its Financial Institutions Group in Europe to enable FIG investment opportunities in the Europe region with a particular focus on defining new capital markets structures and asset classes as it relates to the financial sector, including digital innovation and origination.  This specifically involves 1) incubating high impact projects and initiatives that require upstream project development to reach the point of investment and 2) getting potential clients ready for IFC investment through client preparation and development. 

Duties and Accountabilities:

 The role and responsibilities of the position will include but not be limited to:
• Identify and assess Advisory/Upstream opportunities based on client/market needs, country and sector strategies and market creation potential.
• Develop feasibility studies and implementation plans for Advisory/Upstream projects that lead to IFC investments.
• Work closely with investment colleagues to develop and manage client relationships and foster cross departmental collaboration to meet client-specific requirements.
• Spot game-changing trends, technologies and business models that can present opportunities for new capital market structures and asset classes, including based on digital innovation related to for example embedded finance solutions.
• Engage with the World Bank to identify and contribute to sector and regulatory reforms that support opportunities for private investment.
• Disseminate and absorb knowledge and experience across the regional industry department and global teams to support adoption of new approaches and best practices.

Selection Criteria

• Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Finance, Economics, International Relations, or related discipline, and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.
• Deep understanding of the financial industry and ability to link policy reforms, advisory interventions, investment, and mobilization to deliver solutions at a country level.
• Experience in management consulting, and/or investment banking, capital markets and structured finance.
• Track record of engaging with private sector clients, local and national governments, and other stakeholders to encourage pioneering business and market development.
• Demonstrated capacity for innovating and challenging the status quo to develop business opportunities, particularly in capital markets.
• Demonstrated capacity for collaborating across organizational boundaries to shift organizational behavior and generate buy-in.
• Strong “deal sense” and understanding of bankability criteria.
• Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills; demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and make concrete strategic and tactical recommendations.
• Excellent people skills, openness to feedback and new ideas, and ability to guide, and motivate others.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.